Allina Health Newsroom

Allina Health Newsroom

This is where we share helpful health information, news about our hospitals and clinics and media reports featuring Allina Health team members as subject matter experts. You can also access our latest news releases and media contacts.

Recent news

See articles and videos featuring our patients and care team members, plus watch how Allina Health experts add context to health stories in local news reports.

Allina health expert discusses sunscreen options

[WCCO-TV News, May 22, 2026] It’s time to talk about sunscreen. It plays an important role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Minnesota has the second-highest rate of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — in the country.

Allina Health dermatologist Elizabeth Farhat, MD, appeared live on WCCO-TV to discuss sunscreen options. She explained the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens and who may benefit from each type.


How to make and keep your New Year's resolutions

[WCCO Radio, January 03, 2024] Setting smaller, more realistic resolutions may be key to successfully accomplishing your goals in 2024. Robby Bershow, MD shares even more tips in his interview with WCCO radio.
January 03, 2024

First baby born at Owatonna Hospital in 2024

[Owatonna People's Press, January 03, 2024] Charlotte Summer Riskedahl is the first baby born at Allina Health Owatonna Hospital in 2024!
January 03, 2024

Screens, sleep and kids: an Allina Health expert shares tips

[Fox 9 News, December 27, 2023] As children enjoy their winter break, some parents are concerned about how much screen time their kids are consuming. An Allina Health doctor shares when it's best to reduce screen time and why.
December 27, 2023

Smaller is better when it comes to setting health-related goals in 2024

[WCCO-TV News, December 26, 2023] As we close out 2023, many people are setting goals for 2024. If better health is the focus of your goal or resolution, Allina Health's Elizabeth Vander Laan says you may need to start small to accomplish and maintain your goals.
December 26, 2023

Allina Health shares All Together Better magazine, fall 2023 edition

[Allina Health Newsroom, December 19, 2023] Allina Health is excited to share its first edition of All Together Better magazine which highlights some of the organization's bright spots from the last quarter of 2023.
December 19, 2023

Navigating kids and screen time during the holiday break

[WCCO-TV News, December 19, 2023] It’s that time of year where you celebrate the winter holidays, and your children have up to two weeks away from school. While you may love having the kids home, you may struggle to keep them from declaring their boredom when they don’t have access to their smart phones and tablets.
December 19, 2023

Allina Health EMS participates in Heroes and Helpers event

[ABC Newspapers, December 19, 2023] Allina Health EMS participated in the 14th annual Heroes and Helpers event, hosted by the Blaine Police Department. First responders helped 60 students shop for holiday gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
December 19, 2023

“Don’t ignore your symptoms,” heart attack survivor warns

[Allina Health Newsroom, December 15, 2023] Leo Fleck, lead engineer in Plant Operations at New Ulm Medical Center, explains how he nearly ignored lesser-known signs of a heart attack and reminds everyone to take their heart health seriously.
December 15, 2023

Protecting your heart during the holiday season

[WCCO-TV News, December 11, 2023] Research shows we see an increase in heart attacks during the winter months, especially around December 24 and 25. Allina Health's Courtney Jordan Baechler, MD spoke to WCCO-TV News about the causes.
December 11, 2023

Hundreds of adaptive toys delivered to Allina Health’s Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute

[WCCO-TV News, December 08, 2023] During the first Friday of December, Courage Rehabilitation Institute (CKRI) got a big shipment of adaptive toys for CKRI therapists and teachers in the community to distribute to children.
December 08, 2023

News releases

When we’re making news, you can find details here. Read on to learn about the innovative ways we deliver expert care for people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and celebrate inspiring milestones.

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Allina Health and Sutter Health Sign Definitive Agreement, Taking Next Step in Advancing Shared Vision

Allina Health and Sutter Health announced today that they have approved a definitive agreement, taking the next step toward their shared goal of creating an integrated nonprofit health system.
May 21, 2026
Allina

Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary awards $25,000 in scholarships

Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary awards $25,000 in scholarships; raises $21,500 for next year’s scholarships during its annual Festival of Tables event.
May 14, 2026
Allina

Allina Health awarded Mental Health of America Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

Allina Health is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2026 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, the nation’s top recognition for U.S. employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. This is the fourth consecutive year Allina Health has received this honor.
May 05, 2026
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Explore our Healthy Set Go articles

Our Allina Health doctors and providers share information on health topics that matter to you.

A woman pouring a container of mixed nuts and seeds into her hand to eat as a snack.

Powered by protein: Easy ways to fuel your day

Learn simple ways to meet your daily protein needs with our guide to protein-rich foods and snacks. Fuel your day and feel full longer with these easy tips.

Posted May 11, 2026

 A woman fanning herself to manage a hot flash, a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause often treated with hormone therapy.

Understanding perimenopause, menopause and hormone therapy

Learn what hormone therapy (HRT) is, who it is for, and how it helps relieve perimenopause and menopause symptoms using the lowest effective dose.

Posted May 7, 2026

 Man seated at a table wearing a blood pressure cuff and viewing a home BP monitor.

Understanding blood pressure: What your numbers mean

Understand blood pressure and what systolic and diastolic numbers mean. Learn what high BP readings signal for health risks and when to see a doctor.

Posted April 28, 2026
Visit Healthy Set Go

Media contacts

Our media team is staffed by former reporters and producers. Reach out for help connecting to subject matter experts for your time-sensitive questions.

Jennifer Steingas
Public Relations Manager
jennifer.steingas@allina.com
Voice/Text: 612-388-1895

Erika Rasmussen
Senior Communications Consultant
erika.rasmussen@allina.com
Voice/text: 708-214-8464